Hickory Hill Vineyards

Hickory Hill Vineyards holds a special place in the Smith Mountain Lake community as the lake's own winery. While Virginia's wine country stretches across the state, Hickory Hill is right here on the lake, producing estate wines from grapes grown in the unique microclimate created by 20,000 acres of water and surrounding Blue Ridge foothills. For lake residents and visitors, a visit to Hickory Hill is not a day trip; it is a neighborhood outing.

What Makes Hickory Hill Special

The vineyard's location on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake creates growing conditions that are distinct from Virginia's other wine regions. The lake moderates temperatures, extends the growing season slightly, and produces morning fog that protects the vines during sensitive periods. The result is wines that reflect this specific place, with character and qualities you will not find in bottles from Charlottesville or Loudoun County.

Roger and Kitty Furrow planted the vineyard in 1985, making Hickory Hill one of the pioneers of the SML wine scene. Their passion for winemaking is evident in every bottle, and their hospitality makes every visitor feel like a friend who has dropped by for a glass. This is not a corporate tasting room experience; it is personal, warm, and genuine.

What to Expect When You Visit

The tasting room is cozy and inviting, with views of the vineyard and the lake beyond. Tastings walk you through the current lineup, which typically includes dry reds, semi-sweet whites, and a few specialty wines that showcase the winery's range. The staff explains each wine's story and production method with the kind of enthusiasm that comes from genuine pride in the product.

Beyond the tasting room, the property itself is beautiful. The vineyard rows slope toward the water, and the grounds include picnic areas where you can sit with a bottle and enjoy the setting. It is the kind of place where an hour-long visit easily becomes an afternoon.

Insider Tips

Visit on a weekend afternoon when the tasting room is most lively and the staff has time to talk. Ask about the estate-grown wines specifically, as these best represent the terroir of Smith Mountain Lake. The semi-sweet wines are crowd-pleasers, but the dry reds show the vineyard's true potential.

Pick up a bottle to bring to dinner at one of the lake restaurants. Several SML restaurants carry Hickory Hill wines, but there is something satisfying about selecting a bottle at the vineyard and sharing it with friends later that evening.

Hickory Hill hosts events throughout the season, including live music, wine dinners, and harvest celebrations. Check their event calendar before your visit, as these events add an extra dimension to the experience.

Nearby Communities

Hickory Hill Vineyards is conveniently located near The Waterfront and is easily accessible from communities across the lake. Many SML homeowners consider a stop at Hickory Hill a regular part of their weekend routine.

Practical Information

Tastings are available daily during the season, with fees that are modest and often waived with a bottle purchase. No reservations are needed for standard tastings, but large groups should call ahead. Bottles are available for purchase at the winery and at select local retailers. The vineyard is open seasonally, with extended hours during summer. Check the website or call for current operating hours and event schedules.